Things To Do
in Beidaying

Beidaying is a coastal city in northern China, perched along the Bohai Sea at coordinates 39.9686, 119.5515. It fuses historic waterfront charm with modern promenades, seafood markets, and leafy streets that run from the harbor to the hillside temples. The city is renowned for its fresh seafood, welcoming locals, and easy access to seaside trails and nearby cultural sites.

With rail and road links to Beijing and the Qinhuangdao area, Beidaying serves as a relaxed base for exploring northern coastlines and gray-green hills.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Beidaying
morning
:

Arrive in Beidaying and check into your hotel, taking a moment to settle in and refresh. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling regional delicacies. Stroll around the village to soak in the beautiful surroundings and vibrant local culture.

afternoon
:

Visit the Beidaying Historical Museum to learn about the region’s rich past and cultural heritage. Engage with local artisans and explore the handicraft shops that line the streets. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby restaurant, taste the unique flavors of the area.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional restaurant where you can savor dishes unique to Beidaying, paired with local wines. Take a scenic walk along the riverbank, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. Cap off the night with a cultural performance at a local theater, immersing yourself in traditional music and dance.

day 2
Exploring Local Markets
morning
:

Start the day at the bustling Beidaying Market, where you can interact with locals and sample fresh produce. As you wander through the stalls, be sure to try some street food specialties, such as dumplings and fried snacks. Capture the essence of the market with your camera as vibrant colors and lively sounds surround you.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a market-side eatery, visit the famous Local Crafts Workshop to witness artisans at work creating beautiful pieces of art. Participate in a hands-on crafting session, creating your own souvenir to take home. Enjoy a break at a nearby tea house, sipping on fragrant teas.

evening
:

Head to a local pub or bar to experience the nightlife as you mingle with locals and fellow travelers. Enjoy live music performances by local bands while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails. As the night unfolds, share stories and laughter with new friends.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🧃Soft drink or bottled water$1-2
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$60-120
🚖Taxi ride (short trip)$3-8
🛒Groceries for a week$15-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Fresh seafood and coastal scenery
  • Affordable cost of living
  • Friendly locals and relaxed pace
  • Good rail connections to Beijing and Qinhuangdao
  • Limited English in some areas
  • Humidity in summer and windy winters
  • Can be crowded near popular markets seasonally
  • Fewer large-scale nightlife venues compared to major cities
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "请给我菜单" - Please give me the menu
  • "多少钱?" - How much is this?
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "厕所在哪里?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Beidaying

Visit one of these nice places.

Bohai Sunrise Promenade

Long seawall and promenade perfect for golden-hour coastal shots and silhouettes of fishing boats.

Old City Gate at Beidaying

Historic gate framed by narrow lanes and hanging lanterns, ideal for atmospheric street photography.

Lighthouse Overlook

Elevated view of the harbor and sea, especially dramatic at dawn or dusk.

Seaweed Flats at Dusk

Shimmering shoreline with tidal pools and reedy textures for close-up nature photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Beidaying

Beidaying’s cuisine centers on seafood and Northern Chinese flavors, with soy, ginger, garlic, and chili shaping many dishes. Expect fresh catches from the Bohai Sea, simple braises, and home-style noodles at family-run eateries. Street food thrives at markets and seaside stalls, offering quick eats that pair well with a sea breeze. For dietary restrictions, many shops can adapt dishes with vegetarian bases or shorter broths when requested.

Beidaying Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Beidaying Braised Sea Bass

Sea bass braised in a soy-ginger glaze with spring onions, a staple at waterfront restaurants.

Must-Try!

Sea Urchin Congee

Soft rice porridge topped with fresh sea urchin, commonly found in morning seafood stalls.

Ginger-Garlic Scallion Dumplings

Handmade dumplings filled with herbs and seafood or vegetables, steamed or pan-fried.

Stir-Fried Seaweed with Dried Mackerel

A crisp, salty dish that highlights locally harvested seaweed and preserved fish.

Crispy Lantern Crab

Lightly battered crab with a citrusy dip, popular at seaside eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Beidaying Coastal Market

Bustling market by the harbor offering live fish, shellfish, chili sauces, and quick bites.

Qinhuangdao Seafood Market (nearby)

Large-scale market where you can pick fresh seafood to be cooked on-site.

Climate Guide

Weather

Beidaying has a coastal, monsoon-influenced climate with hot summers, cold winters, and mild springs and autumns. Summers bring humidity and sea breezes; winters are dry but windy; spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and clear skies with varying levels of humidity and occasional rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Courtesy

A polite nod or light handshake is common; address elders with respect and use formal titles when appropriate.

Dining Etiquette

Taste and share dishes, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, and wait for the host to begin eating.

Noise and Public Behavior

Keep voices moderate in public spaces, especially in temples and residential neighborhoods.

Safety Guide

Safety

Beidaying is generally safe for travelers. Take standard precautions against petty theft in crowded markets, monitor sea conditions when engaging in water activities, and keep a copy of important documents. Have travel insurance and know local emergency numbers (police 110, medical 120) for peace of mind.

Tipping in Beidaying

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not a formal practice in most eateries or services; rounding up the bill or small tips at high-end places is appreciated but not expected.

Payment Methods

Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely used; cash is accepted, and some hotels accept foreign cards at the front desk.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming coastal flora; bring a light jacket for sea breezes and occasional showers.

Summer

Warm to hot with high humidity; expect breezes near the water and occasional typhoon risk in late summer.

Autumn

Comfortable temperatures and clear skies; golden light is ideal for photography and long walks.

Winter

Cold and windy with possible sea fog; some attractions operate on limited schedules; pack warm layers.

Nightlife Guide

Beidaying at Night

Beidaying’s nightlife centers on relaxed harbor bars, night markets, and karaoke rooms. Expect live music at waterfront venues on weekends, local seafood stalls open late, and evening strolls along the illuminated promenade. It’s a laid-back scene rather than a club-heavy party town, ideal for enjoying conversations over tea, beer, or fresh fruit cocktails.

Hiking in Beidaying

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal Cliff Trail

Short to moderate hikes with sweeping sea views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Heshan Hill Route

Hill path with viewpoints overlooking bays and distant towns; best in late afternoon light.

Airports

How to reach Beidaying by plane.

Qinhuangdao Beidaihe Airport

Small regional airport serving domestic flights; about 1–1.5 hours by car to Beidaying.

Shenyang Taoxian International Airport

Major northern hub with frequent connections to domestic and some international destinations; longer transfer from Beidaying.

Beijing Capital International Airport

Large international hub reachable by high-speed rail or highway; convenient for outbound international travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Beidaying is fairly walkable in the city center, with pleasant promenades along the harbor and compact historic blocks. Sea-facing paths and shaded lanes make long strolls enjoyable, while some hillside areas may require short climbs.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents (Han)

Predominant ethnic group with long traditions in fishing, small-scale trade, and manufacturing.

Seasonal workers and visitors from nearby provinces

Travelers and temporary labor contribute to seasonal population changes.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Very popular in parks and schools; pickup games common in evenings.

Table Tennis

Widely played in community centers and clubs, with informal competitions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally manageable in the city center, with occasional congestion during holidays. Taxis are affordable, and buses or a local metro-style service connect core districts. Driving can be slower during peak times and in coastal traffic near the harbor entrances.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Beidaying.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places can prepare vegetable dishes with clear no-meat broth; request no fish sauce and avoid animal-based stocks.

Vegan

Ask for dishes prepared with water or vegetable oil; rely on tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables as core ingredients.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local clinics and regional hospitals provide basic care; larger hotels host international clinics or translation services in peak seasons. Basic emergency care is widely available; carry medication prescriptions and a travel insurance card.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide